Laws and Regulations
1991 law, SB1340, sets a 40% recycling goal of solid waste by 1994; 1993 legislation, SB1051, amended it to become a waste reduction goal; state did not meet the 1994 goal and no penalty was imposed. 1997 survey estimated a 35% recycling rate (including scrap steel and concrete).
Tampering is removing or making inoperable any system or device used to control emissions from a motor vehicle engine. The motor vehicle is defined as any self-propelled vehicle designed for transporting persons or property on a street or highway. The only exception to the tampering rule is the need to install a new certified emission control system or device that is equally effective in reducing vehicle emissions. Tampering may include, but is not limited to: Removing the catalytic converter, air pump, and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve, or doing anything to keep them from working properly, such as disconnecting vacuum lines and electrical or mechanical parts of the pollution control system. http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/ implementation/air/mobilesource/vetech/tampering.html

News
Proposed Changes to Air Quality Rules Announced - Phone: 512-239-5011 -
The TCEQ is publishing a proposed revision to permitting in the Texas Register replacing the current permit by rule for thermoset resin facilities with a new air quality standard permit. Thermoset resin facilities are those that use a chemical process to fabricate or repair certain fiberglass, plastic or composite products.
The days of cavalier trash disposal are over in El Paso. On April 22 – Earth Day – the City of El Paso completes a rollout of a curbside collection recycling program that few would have predicted possible barely five years ago. Yet, it was only a few years back when El Paso passed a no-smoking ordinance in nearly all public buildings and businesses, and that – astonishingly – was met with far more applause than rebellion. http://www.swtexaslive.com/node/3651
Combine trips to minimize cold starts. Most vehicle emissions occur when the engine and catalytic converter are cold.